Finishing my first state this time around did not have the same sense of accomplishment. It felt good but last time I remember it meaning a lot more. Just for completeness I took a photo.
After that day there was rain. Lots of rain. Two full days of cold, windy rain. In the midst of it all I did hit the 100 mile mark and was able to keep my spirits up.
After two days and nights of cold, wet rain I decided to sleep in the shelter at Rock Gap. Unfortunately it was completely full and there were almost no flat spots. Someone offered me a hammock and I grudgingly accepted. I had never tried to hammock sleep and figured this was an opportunity to try. Last night was 20 degrees and snowed slightly. What I learned from that combination is that hammocks are quite cold and extremely uncomfortable. To make up for very little sleep and cold feet today I went into Franklin to dry out. I am doing laundry and grabbing a bite to eat and heading back to trail today. The weather looks warmer and sunnier, hopefully the weather isn't lying.
Wow. Way to sell the "fun" of hiking the AT, Arlen! The weather sounds extremely challenging; glad to hear your spirits are pulling through. Order up some warmer stuff for a couple of weeks from now, okay?
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom